Archive By Section - Government

Governor Jerry Brown proposed a record high $122.6 billion General Fund budget plan for 2016-17 - an increase of $6 billion over last year - that makes significant increases in funding for education, health care and state infrastructure, while bolstering the state's Rainy Day Fund and paying down state debts and liabilities. Along with the increased spending, however, the Governor also urged fiscal restraint.

The United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service will embark on its second month gathering information on honey bee colonies across the nation in hopes of promoting honey bee health and reducing colony losses during winter to no more than 15 percent within 10 years.

A request for the City of Turlock to relinquish a portion of Cooper Avenue between Oak and Rose streets in order to allow Sacred Heart Church to consolidate two private school campuses has proven to be a source of frustration for a number of neighbors in the east Turlock area.

The ushering in of the New Year sees a bevy of new laws take effect in California that cover a variety of issues. There are new restrictions on carrying guns in the state and those making minimum wage are seeing a bump in their pay. It's also now harder for parents to get vaccine exemptions and getting a referendum on the ballot will be a bit more costly.

The City of Turlock is one step closer to securing upgraded parking options in the downtown area after Turlock City Council voted earlier this month to approve an agreement with TJKM Transportation Consultants for the development of a Downtown Parking Plan.

This year, millions of rural businesses and families were positively impacted by U.S. Department of Agriculture investments in their communities. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a list of USDA's top achievements in 2015, demonstrating USDA's efforts to help farmers and ranchers bring their products to tables domestically and abroad, build critical infrastructure in America's rural areas, conserve our nation's natural resources through long-lasting partnerships, and continuously work toward improving the lives of all Americans.

Reeling from unprecedented budget cuts at the state level, the Stanislaus County Superior Court closed Turlock's courthouse in 2009 until "budget issues were resolved." The closure was expected to last one year, according to the Court. Nearly seven years later, the Turlock Courthouse is finally reopening.

After three straight months of not meeting the State's 32 percent reduction target, Turlock water customers delivered in November with a 33 percent water savings. While a well-deserved congratulations is due, we must continue to be diligent with water conservation efforts.

Turlock Mayor Gary Soiseth has said since he first started campaigning for public office in 2014 that he would only support a countywide road tax if the spending formula guarantees funds would be spent on Turlock road projects. Soiseth is ready to support such a tax as the Stanislaus Council of Governments put forth a potential spending formula on Wednesday that calls for sales tax revenue generated in Turlock staying in Turlock with complete local control over which projects would be funded.

Responding to numerous requests to slow speeding drivers in neighborhoods across Turlock, the City Council adopted the city's first ever Traffic Calming Program in September. Since its adoption, nine residents have requested information about the new program, which provides a way for traffic calming measures like speed bumps to be installed on city streets at the expense of the requestor. Seven of those requests came from residents in the north area of town and two in the southeast, according to Development Services Director and City Engineer Mike Pitcock, who gave an update on the program to the City Council ...

It is highly recommended to turn off sprinkler systems during the rainy season. This is an easy way to conserve water, without jeopardizing the health of your lawn and plants. With the cooler temperatures, moisture in the air, and amount of rain the area has received there is not a need to have sprinkler systems running.

Economic development has been and continues to be the number one priority for communities across California, and especially here in the Central Valley where recovery from the recent recession has been slow going. In the midst of this effort to attract and maintain thriving businesses, the City of Turlock has been recognized for its Turlock Regional Industrial Plan and celebrated the success of its small business incentive program.

The City of Turlock is instituting a new Local Option for real estate transactions that aims to increase awareness of property owners' responsibilities when it comes to sidewalk and street tree maintenance.